When I joined the Markers Mark Ambassador club over six years ago, I thought this day would never come. But it has and my Bourbon is ready. I am heading to Lexington the end of the month - Mar 29-Apr 2. I will be at Maker's Mark on Thursday at noon. Other than that, I need to fill the rest of Thursday, Friday, Saturday and maybe one stop on Sunday. I have been on the Bourbon Trail Website, but thought the Sig Forum Braintrust would be better suited to helping me with the itinery.

What are the must visit Distilleries? Why is it a must visit?
How long do you typically spend at each Distillery?
Do I really need to do a tour of each of them? or just a tasting?

Side question, is there a legal limit to the amount of Bourbon I can put in the bed of my truck for the trip home to NC???

Tours fill up fast. I would check availability now. Woodford Reserve is probably booked. Castle and Key has the best tour in my opinion. Wild Turkey is currently closed for “refreshing.” Four Roses is nice and has a tasting included in the tour. All of those are a short drive from Lexington.

Buffalo Trace has a nice tour. There are a couple of nice restaurants and bourbon bars in the area. The Amsden Bourbon Bar in Versailles has a nice selection and very knowledgeable and friendly staff. The Stave is right down the road and has great local food.

Enjoy your visit! Watch the weather, Kentucky in the spring can be unpredictable.

That’s exciting! Enjoy!

quote:

Side question, is there a legal limit to the amount of Bourbon I can put in the bed of my truck for the trip home to NC???

Any vehicle containing over a thousand gallons of liquid is considered a tanker and requires a CDL with tanker endorsement

If you have a thousand gallons of bourbon, I can drive you home

My Smokin' Hot Wife and I plan on being there April 15th, my barrel is ready as well

The road into Woodford is more like a long private driveway. BT is a gigantic enterprise.

If you want to venture over to Louisville, Proof on Main is an incredible dining experience.

Buffalo Trace in Frankfort is the best in my opinion and just a short drive from Lexington.

Let me know where/what you will be doing for lunch on Friday if you want to meet up.

If you decide to do Buffalo Trace on Friday their is a great BBQ place called Staxx.
Or if you are still in Lexington I have lots of suggestions.

Green with envy. I joined the Ambassadors Club last year and am waiting for my turn.

I believe you will have a fantastic time.

We have visited BT, Four Roses, Old Pogue, Baker and Byrd and New Riff.

BT and Four Roses will be closest to you.

Based on tour or tasting, you could spend several hours at a single Distillery.

If you are going with someone who is not really interested in Bourbon, a tasting may be just what the Doctor ordered.

The tastings I have attended, offer a brief history and generally last 20-30 minutes.

Yes, BT is huge. You can follow what they have every day on the What Does Buffalo Trace Have Today website. The site is full of information, other than just what is available at the gift shop. Check for tour availability today and book whatever you can.

Four Roses is smaller and more quaint. If you were blindfolded for a quarter of a mile before you arrive, you would not necessarily think you were in KY. I would say it almost has a European flair as you arrive.

Every Distillery we have visited has been a little different, and all worthwhile.

Have a GREAT time.

I joined some years ago as well and got a notice the my barrel would be ready in September. I have no current plans on making the trip but I'm going to see if they'll ship me a bottle or two just to keep around and offer to guests. I don't drink much anymore and was never a big bourbon fan but my SIL and a few shooting buddies love them some good bourbon.

I enjoyed the gifts they sent over the years.

I'm mad at myself for never doing this when I lived in Indiana. I had opportunity, but it seemed I was always in a rush when near the distilleries. I'll get over that way for a special trip someday...I hope.

That's awesome, I'm literally planning the same. Got my gold ticket last week. The only one I've been to is Buffalo Trace and its 100% worth visiting and spending a few hours at. In for more info.

I got my notice that my barrel is ready, but I won't be able to make the trip......crap!!

quote:

Originally posted by Mr.9mm:

quote:

Side question, is there a legal limit to the amount of Bourbon I can put in the bed of my truck for the trip home to NC???

Any vehicle containing over a thousand gallons of liquid is considered a tanker and requires a CDL with tanker endorsement

If you have a thousand gallons of bourbon, I can drive you home

So now I have a goal, 999 gallons of bourbon in the bed.

Well they ALL are rich in History.
However i Decided on 2 For my/our history the first trip
Beam Was my Dads Bourbon of choice and Wild Turkey Because that is what my Father In-law Drinks.
Make sure you shcedule Ahead. I have read that they are several months out.

Interesting. I have multiple trips to Fort Knox this year so I might have some stopping to do.

I really enjoy touring distilleries on the bourbon trail.


As far as I'm concerned the must sees are:
Buffalo Trace (book tours online - they fill up fast)
Castle & Key - Their grounds are beautiful.

I'd highly recommend
Kentucky Cooperage - in Lebanon
Yellowstone (smaller, but fun and close to Lebanon)
Jim Beam
Four Roses

Bourbon trail field guide

Check out the Bourbon Trail field guide and order the passport book and collect stamps at each distillery and unlock discounts. When we did it you could send your passport in and they would send it back with a free T shirt

Congrats!!

Scanned quickly, and didn't see anyone mention Woodford Reserve. That one is pretty good, with a taste test at the end. Didn't have a chance to get to Buffalo Trace...

Trip booked

Staying in Louisville near Churchill Downs on Friday night getting up and heading to CD for an "Ultimate" tour. The wife used to be a Jockey, big Thoroughbred fan. After that, heading to Makers Mark for the tour and a night in Bardstown. Sunday we get up and head to Jim Beam Distillery for a tour, lunch and then head home

Wanted to do Willet but they are closed on Sunday

Hit all the distilleries previously mentioned, but do yourself a favor and visit "The Stave" restaurant and bourbon bar in Frankfort. Close to Castle and Key and Woodford. You'll love it!